Kiev. June 1. INTERFAX-UKRAINE-Ukraine is considering the risks of a possible military escalation due to Russia's actions on most of its border - from the east, south and north-at any time before the end of September, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said.
"There are many military options possible on the part of the Russian Federation, including naval operations. We are very concerned about this, and now there is a blockage of the Azov-Black Sea region by Russian ships. They control it, despite international law, violating it, "Zelensky said in an interview with the German newspaper "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung", the translation of which is published on the website of the head of state.
According to him, we can expect an escalation from the Donbass. "A big leap, a blitzkrieg to the borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. We are considering and preparing for such steps, " the head of state said.
Responding to a journalist's question about the potential of a blitzkrieg "from the east, south or north," Zelensky noted that it can be " from all these sides."
He noted that after the pressure exerted on Russia in the spring of this year from the United States and Europe due to the concentration of Russian forces at the Ukrainian borders, about 3.5 thousand Russian military personnel left, but "all the rest remain in place - all equipment is 90% in place."
"Therefore, my vision is that an escalation is possible at any time until the end of September, say, exactly until September 12-16. We know that there will be exercises "West-2021". Therefore, I believe that by this time the situation is very dangerous, " the President said.
He stressed that Russia's attempt to build a land connection with Crimea could end in a full-scale war. "If, for example, we are talking about a corridor to the Crimea, it means that it will be impossible to hide this situation behind a "civil conflict". This will open a full-scale war, " Zelensky said.
He also drew attention to the growing influence of Russia on Belarus within the framework of the Union State, which carries risks for Ukraine.
